Japan's Aichi D1A dive bomber
Allied Code Name: Susie

Photos

Design

In 1933 the Imperial Japanese Navy ordered Aichi, Nakajima, and Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho to come up with designs for a two seat carrier based dive bomber.

Aichi imported a He 66 dive bomber from Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke A.G. It was powered by a Siemens SAM-22B (715 HP) engine. Tokuhishiro Goake led a team to modify the He 66 to meet the specifications for the Japanese Navy's dive bomber. The under carriage was strengthened to withstand landing on carriers and a seat for a second crewman was added. The engine was replaced by a Nakajima Kotobuki 2 Kai 1 (560 HP) engine. It was designated the Aichi Special Bomber.

In 1935 Tokuhishiro Goake designed the D1A2.

Construction

The D1As were made of a metal structure with fabric and metal coverings.

Prototype

The Aichi Special Bomber was put up against the Nakajima and Yokosuka designs and in 1934 Aichi was awarded the contract for production.

The D1A2 prototype was test flown in late 1936.

Production

He 66 prototype: 1

Manufacturer: Heinkel, modified by Aichi

Aichi D1A1, Navy Type 94 Carrier Bomber: 162

Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki K.K. at Nagoya

Production: 1934 - 1937

Aichi D1A2, Navy Type 96 Carrier Bomber: 428

Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki K.K. at Nagoya

Production: 1936 - 1940

Variants

Aichi D1A1, Navy Type 94 Carrier Bomber: Had a Townend ring around the engine cylinders. The wings were swept back an additional 5° from the prototype.